Glass commercial doors add a clean, modern look to any storefront or office. Customers like them because they feel open and inviting. Businesses like them because they boost curb appeal and improve visibility. But even with these advantages, glass doors bring real security challenges. They’re easier to break, easier to pry, and often rely on hardware that isn’t designed to withstand forced entry.
The good news is that securing a glass commercial door doesn’t mean replacing it or making your building look industrial. With the right combination of upgraded locks, reinforced framing, high-security glass, and a controlled access system, you can turn one of your most vulnerable entry points into one of your strongest.
Below are the most effective ways to protect a glass commercial door and reduce risk for your business.
Upgrade to High Security Commercial Lock Hardware
One of the first and most important steps is choosing the right lock. A glass door with a weak cylinder or light-duty latch is an invitation for trouble. Many break-ins happen not because the glass was smashed, but because the lock was simply no match for a screwdriver or pry bar.
Mortise locks are considered the gold standard for glass commercial doors. They sit inside the door instead of on the surface, which makes them stronger, harder to tamper with, and more resistant to prying. Their internal components are also built for high traffic, which is essential for storefronts and office buildings.
If you’re unsure which type of commercial lock fits your door or industry, you can always contact Affordable Lock for expert guidance. Their technicians can recommend the right hardware based on your door design, location, and security needs.
Businesses with multiple employees also benefit from restricted key systems. These prevent unauthorized key duplication, giving you full control over who has access.
Reinforce the Door Frame to Prevent Forced Entry
The frame surrounding your glass door plays a bigger security role than most people realize. Criminals often try to break into businesses by spreading or bending the door frame instead of attacking the lock directly.
If you need help identifying where your current frame is vulnerable, you can reach out to Affordable Lock for a professional evaluation.
Choose Stronger Glass or Add Security Film
Glass is the most obvious vulnerability in a glass commercial door. But not all glass is created equal, and upgrading it doesn’t have to change the look of your entrance.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is standard in commercial doors because it breaks safely. But it is not designed to resist repeated impact. It shatters quickly, which is unsafe for security.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is the best option. It has a plastic interlayer that holds the glass together even when cracked. Intruders may damage the glass but will not get through it easily. Laminated glass slows them down enough for alarms to sound and employees to respond.
Security Film
If replacing the glass entirely isn’t an option, clear security film is an excellent alternative. This heavy-duty adhesive film keeps the glass intact even after multiple blows. It looks invisible but dramatically increases resistance to forced entry.
Security film also buys time, which is one of the most important advantages in real-world break-in situations.
Install an Access Control System for Better Entry Management
One of the best ways to secure a glass commercial door is by controlling who can open it. Access control systems replace traditional keys with electronic credentials like keycards, fobs, mobile access, or keypad codes.
Access control strengthens security in several ways:
- Lost keys are no longer a threat
- Entry logs help track who accessed the building
- Certain employees can be restricted to certain areas
- Credentials can be updated instantly
- Businesses avoid frequent rekeying
These systems work extremely well with glass commercial doors because they don’t interfere with the aesthetics of the entrance.
Many businesses pair access control with CCTV cameras for added monitoring and verification.
Install Door Closers and Continuous Hinges
Door closers make sure your door shuts tight after every use, reducing the chance of accidental propping or gaps. Continuous hinges distribute weight evenly and make prying extremely difficult.
These two upgrades work together to keep your door aligned, secure, and functioning properly over time.
Take a Layered Approach to Protecting Your Business
Securing a glass commercial door isn’t about one product or one quick fix. It’s about building layers of protection—high-security locks, reinforced frames, upgraded glass, controlled access, panic hardware, and proper door alignment.
When these elements work together, your business becomes far more resilient to break-ins and everyday wear.
If you’d like a security expert to evaluate your entrance and recommend the best options for your building, you can schedule a consultation through Affordable Lock’s contact page.